U.S. patent application number 10/396259 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for wheel, rim, rim eyelet and spoke nipple particularly for a bicycle.
This patent application is currently assigned to DT Swiss AG Corporation. Invention is credited to Jager, Gerrit.
Application Number | 20040026986 10/396259 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27815962 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040026986 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jager, Gerrit |
February 12, 2004 |
Wheel, rim, rim eyelet and spoke nipple particularly for a
bicycle
Abstract
A wheel, a rim, a rim eyelet and a spoke nipple, particularly
for a bicycle, wherein the rim eyelet has a throughbore to receive
a spoke nipple. The spoke nipple includes a nipple body and a
nipple thread to work in concert with a spoke. At least one contact
layer made from a material which effects a reduction in friction at
the area of contact is provided between the spoke and the rim
eyelet of the wheel's rim.
Inventors: |
Jager, Gerrit; (Pery,
CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREER, BURNS & CRAIN
300 S WACKER DR
25TH FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
DT Swiss AG Corporation
|
Family ID: |
27815962 |
Appl. No.: |
10/396259 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
301/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 21/064 20130101;
B60B 1/045 20130101; B60B 1/041 20130101; B60B 21/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
301/58 |
International
Class: |
B60B 001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 26, 2002 |
DE |
102 13 521.5 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wheel, particularly for a bicycle, comprising: a hub; a rim
with a plurality of rim eyelets; a plurality of spokes; a plurality
of spoke nipples; wherein at least one contact layer made from a
material which causes a reduction in friction is provided at the
plurality of rim eyelets for reducing the friction between rim
eyelets and spoke nipples.
2. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer is provided which is made from a material
having a lubricating effect.
3. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer consists of a substantially non-volatile
material.
4. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer consists substantially of a material taken
from among a group of materials which includes organic and
inorganic, metallic and non-metallic materials, material mixed with
a binding agent such as graphite as well as wax, silicone, greases,
oils and soaps, molybdenum, nickel or also synthetic materials,
polytetrafluoroethylene, and powder coatings.
5. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer is applied via a galvanic procedure.
6. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer is applied via a vapor deposition
process.
7. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one spoke
nipple comprises at least one of said at least one contact layer at
an outer region of said spoke nipple.
8. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein a quantity of adhesive
is disposed at a nipple thread of the spoke nipple.
9. A rim, particularly for a bicycle, comprising: a rim profile; at
least one rim eyelet which is adapted to at least partially receive
a spoke and a spoke nipple; at least one contact layer disposed on
the rim eyelet for the reduction of friction.
10. The rim according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer is made from a material having a
lubricating effect.
11. The rim according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer consists of a substantially non-volatile
material.
12. The rim according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer consists substantially of a material taken
from among a group of materials which includes organic and
inorganic, metallic and non-metallic materials, material mixed with
a binding agent such as graphite as well as wax, silicone, greases,
oils and soaps, molybdenum, nickel or also synthetic materials,
Polytetrafluorethylen, and powder coatings.
13. The rim according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer is applied via a galvanic procedure.
14. The rim according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said at
least one contact layer is applied via a vapor deposition
process.
15. A rim eyelet, particularly for a bicycle, comprising: a
throughbore which is adapted to at least partially receive a spoke
and a spoke nipple; at least one rim mounting area; and at least
one contact layer which is provided for the reduction of
friction.
16. The rim eyelet in accordance with claim 15, wherein at least
one of said at least one contact layer consists substantially of a
material taken from among a group of materials which includes
organic and inorganic, metallic and non-metallic materials,
material mixed with a binding agent such as graphite as well as
wax, silicone, greases, oils and soaps, molybdenum, nickel or also
synthetic materials, Polytetrafluorethylen, and powder
coatings.
17. The rim eyelet according to claim 15 which, apart from said
contact layer, consists substantially of a material taken from
among a group of materials which includes steel and stainless
steel.
18. The rim eyelet according to claim 15, wherein said contact
layer substantially fully encases said rim eyelet.
19. The rim eyelet according to claim 15, wherein at least one of
said at least one contact layer is provided which is made from a
material having a lubricating effect.
20. The rim eyelet according to claim 15, wherein at least one of
said at least one contact layer consists of a substantially
non-volatile material.
21. A spoke nipple, particularly for a bicycle comprising: a nipple
body; a nipple thread on said body for accommodating a spoke; and
at least one contact layer is provided on said nipple for the
reduction of friction.
22. The spoke nipple according to claim 21, wherein at least one of
said at least one contact layer consists substantially of a
material taken from among a group of materials which includes
organic and inorganic, metallic and non-metallic materials,
material mixed with a binding agent such as graphite as well as
wax, silicone, greases, oils and soaps, molybdenum, nickel or also
synthetic materials, Polytetrafluorethylen, and powder
coatings.
23. The spoke nipple according to claim 21, particularly for a
bicycle, wherein a quantity of adhesive is disposed at the nipple
thread.
24. The spoke nipple according to according to claim 21, wherein
said contact layer is provided on a thickened head area of said
body.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel, a rim and a rim
eyelet which are particularly suited for use on bicycles.
[0002] Moreover, such wheels, rims and rim eyelets do not have to
be limited solely to use on bicycles alone but, in fact, it is just
as conceivable to make use of the invention on other diverse single
and multi-wheeled vehicles such as, for example, (bicycle)
trailers, baby carriages and strollers, and other such wheels. For
purposes of simplification, however, the invention will be
described in the following substantially with respect to its use on
bicycles, wherein said description is not to be construed as
restrictive of the scope of the application.
[0003] Wheels usually have a central hub and an outer rim for a
tire. The hub is connected to the rim by means of a varying number
of up to 50 spokes. Spoke nipples are typically used to affix
spokes to a wheel's rim, whereby the spoke nipples are usually
configured as substantially cylindrical bodies which may have a
thickening, the so-called nipple head, at one end, but
which--depending upon application--may also not.
[0004] Holes are generally provided in rims into which rim eyelets
are set in order to provide reinforcement, for example at the point
where rims made of aluminum alloy receive spoke nipples. Such rim
eyelets are usually manufactured from steel and may have an
additional chrome-plating or may be alodined in order to harden the
rim eyelets and protect against rust and abrasion. The rim eyelets
are securely attached to the rim.
[0005] Embodiments are likewise known from the prior art in which
the spoke nipples are not disposed on the rim but rather on the
hub.
[0006] It is important for a wheel's stability that the spokes are
appropriately tensioned since a spoke which breaks during operation
can conceivably diminish riding safety to a considerable extent.
For this reason, the causes for such spoke breakings should be
curtailed to the greatest extent possible.
[0007] Besides for extrinsic causes such as improper handling and
use of force, material fatigue in a spoke is one of the most
frequent causes behind spokes breaking, whereby material fatigue
fractures will develop once fatigue strength is exceeded.
[0008] Since spokes can typically only absorb tensile loads, the
initial amount of tensioning to a spoke must be selected as high
enough so that a sufficiently high residual stress (initial tension
less compressive stress) will remain when strong forces are being
exerted. On the other hand, the maximum tension to a tension spoke
(initial tension plus tensile stress) must remain within the
spoke's range of elasticity.
[0009] When a bicycle's wheel is rolling, the operational load
alternately subjects a spoke to compressive and then tensile forces
whereby given a load of, for example, 900 N (corresponds to roughly
90 kg load) and 32 spokes, said force being distributed, for
example, over about three tension spokes and three compression
spokes, a tension spoke basically receives about 300 N pull in
addition to its initial tension and a compression spoke is
slackened by about 300 N from the initial tension.
[0010] The spokes of a wheel when in rolling motion are therefore
subject to a load of surging tensile stress, the amplitude of which
in the chosen example amounts to 300 N.
[0011] Fatigue fracturing of spokes frequently occurs in the region
of the thread. If, however, the initial tension is appropriately
dimensioned, the tensioned shaft of the spoke absorbs the
alternating loads within the range of elasticity with lasting
fatigue strength, by means of which the thread is relieved of
stress and fatigue fractures are by and large prevented. Adequate
pre-tensioning will therefore counteract material fatigue and the
breaking of spokes.
[0012] High-quality materials are employed for bicycle wheels in
the recreational, semi-professional and professional realms, and
light and rigid materials are used. In these types of wheels, the
spokes are subjected to a high amount of tension during fitting so
as to gain high tensile strength and to reduce the chances of any
of the spokes loosening during operation. Although servicing may
then in fact become necessary in these types of high-quality wheels
even after just a short period of operation.
[0013] Therefore, it is the task of the present invention to
provide a wheel, a rim and a rim eyelet, particularly for bicycles
and the like, which results in more reliable operation and allows
for a better fitting.
SUMMARY
[0014] This task is solved in accordance with the present invention
by the object of claims 1, 9 and 15.
[0015] Preferred embodiments of the invention constitute the
subject matter of the subclaims.
[0016] The present invention provides a wheel having a hub, a rim,
a plurality of spokes and a plurality of spoke nipples. The number
of spokes and spoke nipples may hereby preferably be in the range
of up to about 50, although may also be more.
[0017] Furthermore, at least one contact layer is provided at least
one area of contact between rim, hub and spoke nipple which is made
from a material which causes or effects a reduction in friction
and/or a reduction in frictional torque for the spoke nipple, the
rim eyelet respectively.
[0018] What is to be understood by contact layer in terms of the
present application is that contact layer on the rim eyelet which
comes into contact with the spoke nipple. Such contact layer at the
spoke eyelet is a rim eyelet contact layer, and if at the spoke
nipple, it is a spoke nipple contact layer.
[0019] The rim eyelet according to the present invention comprises
a throughbore which is adapted to at least partially receive at
least one spoke and at least one spoke nipple. The inventive rim
eyelet is intended to be securely attached to the rim.
[0020] Furthermore, the rim eyelet comprises a rim mounting area
and at least one contact layer at least one point of contact,
whereby said contact layer is made from a material which causes or
effects a reduction in frictional torque between spoke nipple and
rim eyelet.
[0021] The inventive rim is particularly intended for use on a
bicycle and has a rim profile which comprises at least one
inventive rim eyelet disposed with a contact layer made from a
material that induces a reduction in frictional torque from the
boundary surface of the rim eyelet to the spoke nipple.
[0022] The inventive rim eyelet is intended to cooperate with a
spoke nipple. Said spoke nipple comprises a nipple body and
preferably a nipple head. The spoke nipple furthermore comprises a
nipple thread to work in concert with a spoke.
[0023] At the periphery of the nipple body at least one contact
layer is provided which is made from a material which, upon
tensioning of the spoke nipple, effects a reduction in spoke nipple
frictional torque compared to the frictional torque of a
conventional spoke nipple.
[0024] The inventive object has numerous advantages.
[0025] The wheel according to the present invention allows a better
adjusting to the desired or sought range of spoke tension since the
reduced friction effect to the torque applied during fitting from
the contact layer between the rim eyelet and the spoke nipple
allows for a better correlating to the effective spoke nipple
torque during fitting.
[0026] A greater reproducibility is also enabled when assembling
the wheels in that the desired spoke tension can be set more
exactingly, which results in increased operational safety.
[0027] In wheels known from the prior art, the area of contact
between spoke nipple and rim eyelet is usually not tempered. The
coefficient of friction between spoke nipple and rim eyelet is thus
high, so that a not insignificant portion of the torque as applied
goes to overcoming the frictional torque.
[0028] A further disadvantage to high frictional torque is that
material abrasion ensues due to the friction occurring at the spoke
nipple or the rim eyelet. This can result in a decrease in volume
of up to two-thirds when spoking or re-spoking a wheel. This, in
turn, results in considerably reduced shear strength and, hence,
the stability of the wheel.
[0029] It is also for this reason that a reduction in frictional
torque between rim eyelet and spoke nipple is important for
reducing wear to the rim eyelet and the spoke nipple.
[0030] In the case of aluminum rims, chafing of the rims is also
possible due to the high abrasion, while when making use of an
aluminum nipple and an aluminum rim, such conditions may arise
during insertion of the spokes that even a fusing of the point of
contact between spoke nipple and rim eyelet is possible. Even if
such a bonding only occurs intermittently at localized points, it
still increases the frictional torque between spoke nipple and rim
eyelet to a considerable degree such that it affects the quality of
the spoked wheel, at times to an exceedingly negative extent.
[0031] Oil is sometimes applied to the rim eyelet or to the nipple
immediately prior to assembly of today's wheels to reduce torque
between rim eyelet and spoke nipple. This type of solution is,
however, only marginally satisfactory because the oil which has
been deposited forms a thin film which has but a low load bearing
capacity. Given the temperatures which occur during spoking, which
can reach 60.degree. C. and higher, the effectiveness of such a
film is greatly reduced, particularly since the high temperatures
which occur can cause the applied oil to begin to scorch and
vaporize. Using oil also results in undesirable contaminating of
the spoking machine.
[0032] In conventional wheels not equipped with the inventive rim
eyelet it may occur that, although the rim eyelet is securely
attached to the rim, the rim eyelet shifts relative to the rim
during rotation of the wheel because the frictional torque between
spoke nipple and rim eyelet is extremely high. Such shifting of the
rim eyelet in relation to the rim may cause higher abrasion and in
the long run- damage the rim.
[0033] This problem is solved in the inventive rim eyelet in that
both during fitting and during operation the contact layer reduces
the frictional torque to such an extent that shifting between rim
eyelet and rim is reliably prevented because there is only a small
frictional torque between the inventive rim eyelet and the spoke
nipple.
[0034] The inventive additional contact layer reduces the
frictional torque between nipple and rim eyelet, so that the torque
applied is better correlated to the torque effectively serving for
the spoke tension, thus yielding better adjustment of desired spoke
tension.
[0035] The present invention enables, on the one hand, a
selectively specific lubrication or reduction in friction at the
area of contact, which is also effective at high pressures and, on
the other hand, the reduced amount of friction yields decreased
abrasion and thus an enhanced stability to the spoke nipples and
the rim eyelets as well as to the wheel as a whole. This allows a
much finer adjusting to be made to the individual spoke tensions as
well as also the distribution of spoke tension over the individual
spokes of a wheel, leading in turn to a wheel which, as a whole,
can be better adjusted.
[0036] As a consequence, spoke tension is better adjusted with the
wheel according to the present invention, thus also raising the
level of operational safety. This also results in extending the
intervals between servicing.
[0037] The contact layer made from a friction-reducing material is
provided at the area of contact with the spoke nipple. This layer
is provided at the rim eyelets.
[0038] It is also conceivable to provide for two or more contact
layers, whereby one is provided on, for example, the spoke nipple
and one on the rim eyelet. The individual contact layers may be
made from the same or from different materials.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive wheel, at least
one contact layer is made of a material which has a lubricating
effect. Particularly preferential is for the lubricating effect to
first occur under high pressures, namely such pressures as arise,
for example, between spoke nipple and rim and/or hub in the case of
known wheels and rims. A lubricating effect is particularly
advantageous since a particularly reliable and durable reduction in
frictional torque is thereby attainable.
[0040] In another preferential embodiment of the invention, at
least one contact layer consists of a substantially non-volatile
material. This embodiment is particularly advantageous since the
shelf life of an inventive rim eyelet or rim is substantially
dependent upon whether the contact layer remains constant; i.e.,
non-volatile.
[0041] In conjunction hereto, applicant points out that applicant
also herewith asserts claimed use of a procedure based on the
application for the manufacture of an agent for reducing the
frictional torque which comprises, for example, the following steps
in the given or any other logical order:
[0042] a) fitting an eyelet into a rim
[0043] b) applying a contact layer to at least the area of the rim
eyelet which comes into contact with a spoke nipple.
[0044] Another possible procedure is to first provide the rim
eyelet with a contact layer comprising a lubricant or the like and
then fit or mount the rim eyelet or spoke nipple to the rim.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact
layer is made substantially from a material which is one of among a
group of materials which includes organic and inorganic, metallic
and non-metallic materials, as well as materials mixed with a
binding agent such as graphite, wax, silicone, greases, oils and
soaps, molybdenum, nickel or also synthetic materials,
Polytetrafluorethylen, powder coatings and the like.
[0046] Synthetic materials such as Polytetrafluorethylen, commonly
referred to by the brand name of "Teflon," are extremely
advantageous since such materials have a particularly low
coefficient of friction.
[0047] The contact layer may also comprise a metal layer applied in
a galvanic procedure. Such a layer may also be applied in a vapor
deposition process (for example, "chemical vapor deposition" or
"physical vapor deposition," etc.).
[0048] Softer metals and the like are advantageous since same have
a certain stability and are thus well-suited for storage, even when
the contact layer is disposed on an external surface which might,
for example, come into contact with other components (for example,
quantities of rim eyelets conceivably stored together in one
receptacle), while they are also capable of reducing frictional
torque to a considerable degree.
[0049] It is also advantageous in this respect if the contact layer
on a rim is disposed at the rim eyelet since the contact layer is
then situated in protected fashion within the (inner) region of the
rim.
[0050] The inventive rim eyelet preferably consists of, apart from
the contact layer, a substantially rigid material which may be, for
example, one from among a group of materials which includes steel,
stainless steel, etc. Depending upon application, the rim eyelet
may also be made from brass or the like.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive rim eyelet, the
contact layer substantially fully encases the rim eyelet, as is
able to be attained with, for example, galvanic or vapor deposition
procedures.
[0052] A spoke nipple for use with an inventive rim eyelet is
preferably made from metal and particularly preferably from a light
metal or aluminum, etc., although the contact layer between the
spoke nipple and an inventive rim eyelet is comprised of one of the
above-cited materials.
[0053] Particularly in the case of a spoke nipple having a contact
layer, it is preferred for the contact layer to be provided on an
outer area of the nipple body; especially preferred is the
providing of same solely on an outer region of the nipple body.
[0054] While the reducing of frictional torque between the nipple
body and the rim or between the spoke nipple and the eyelet in the
rim or the hub is desirably beneficial, a consistent reduction in
frictional torque between the spoke nipple thread and the spoke
thread is undesirable since a reduction of the frictional torque in
the spoke thread can lead to a loosening of the spoke during
operation. Depending upon application, such a contingency should be
ruled out entirely.
[0055] This can be ensured when manufacturing the contact layer in
a galvanic or vapor deposition process by, for example, not making
the bore through the nipple or fabricating the nipple thread until
after the contact layer has been applied during said process. It is
however just as feasible to apply the contact layer at a later
point in time and to draw upon suitable measures to ensure that the
thread is free of agents which would induce (consistent) reduction
of friction.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive wheel the spoke
nipples further comprise a quantity of adhesive provided preferably
at an area on, for example, the nipple thread. Such a quantity of
adhesive can, for example, serve two purposes; namely one of
reducing the friction at the thread when screwing the spoke nipple
onto a spoke due to the lubricating effect of the adhesive, so that
the screwing operation will then be a smoother and more facilitated
process, and secondly, the adhesive will act to provide an
additional securing of the screwed fit between spoke nipple and
spoke following its hardening.
[0057] For a more precise definition of this type of adhesive
configuration and composition, reference is herewith made to the
applicant's German patent application, published as DE 100 52 528
A1, which describes the configuring of a spoke nipple with a
quantity of adhesive.
[0058] Such quantity of an adhesive causes the frictional torque
between spoke nipple and spoke thread to be reduced for a short
time but not permanently. Such permanent reduction is achieved with
the contact layer at the inventive rim eyelet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] Further advantages and possibilities for application of the
present invention will yield from the following embodiments
described with reference to the figures, which show:
[0060] FIG. 1 an inventive wheel of a bicycle;
[0061] FIG. 2 an inventive rear wheel in section;
[0062] FIG. 3 an inventive front wheel in section;
[0063] FIG. 4 an inventive rim eyelet in section; and
[0064] FIG. 5 a spoke nipple of an inventive wheel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] FIG. 1 depicts an inventive wheel 1 of a bicycle. Wheel 1
comprises a rim 2, spokes 3 with spoke nipples 20 and a central hub
4.
[0066] While the spoke heads of spokes 3 are provided on the hub
flanges of hub 4, the spoke nipples are disposed at rim eyelets 10
of rim 2. The rim eyelets 10 are securely attached to rim 2. The
nipple area of contact in inventive wheel 1 is disposed at the rim
eyelets 10 of rim 2.
[0067] A further nipple contact layer may also be provided at the
spoke nipples. Also, a first contact layer type may be provided at
the rim eyelet and a second contact layer type at the spoke nipple
wherein the first type consists of a first material and the second
type of a second material.
[0068] This enables a more precise adjusting of the spoke tension
during fitting since the frictional torque between spoke nipple 20
and rim eyelet 10 can conceivably be reduced considerably. The
torque applied by a spoking machine or manually is thus correlated
considerably better to the tensile stress prevailing in the
spoke.
[0069] The inventive rim eyelet and the inventive rim 2
respectively, may be used on an inventive rear wheel 8 as depicted
in FIG. 2, which has a freewheel 6 for receiving a sprocket having
a plurality of gearwheels, just as feasibly as the inventive wheel
being configured as a front wheel 9 having a front wheel hub 7, as
depicted in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows an inventive rim eyelet 10 which
is set into rim 2. The connection is secure.
[0070] Rim eyelet 10 has a throughbore 12 through which a spoke is
introduced or guided through by its thread end from the hub
outwardly. Rim eyelet 10 positions on rim 2 via rim mounting area
13. In the given embodiment, rim eyelet 10 is held firmly in rim 2,
for example is driven into rim 2.
[0071] Contact layer 11 in the embodiment according to FIG. 4 is
disposed within throughbore 12 and at the topside 15 of rim eyelet
10.
[0072] The nipple area of contact 14 is disposed at an upper region
of the rim opening which abuts up against the nipple when fitted.
In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, underside 16 of rim eyelet
10 is not provided with a contact layer.
[0073] It is, however, pointed out that the contact layer may also
be provided anywhere upon the rim eyelet, on all (e.g. accessible)
surfaces. It may likewise only be provided over portions of the
mentioned surfaces.
[0074] The spoke nipple 20 depicted in FIG. 5 for use in an
inventive wheel comprises a nipple head 21 with contact layer 23
being provided at its outer side in the region of the head
thickening. Contact layer 23 may also extend over, or also only
extend partly over, cylindrical area 22 of the spoke nipple.
[0075] Thread 27, which works in concert with the thread on the
spoke, extends over a length 28 in a central bore 24 of the spoke
nipple.
[0076] Spoke nipple 20 has a square bar configuration with side
faces 15 at its lower region so as to enabling grasping with a tool
during fitting.
[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact
layer 11, 23 is made substantially from a material which is one of
among a group of materials which includes organic and inorganic,
metallic and non-metallic materials, as well as materials mixed
with a binding agent such as graphite, wax, silicone, greases, oils
and soaps, molybdenum, nickel or also synthetic materials,
Polytetrafluorethylen, powder coatings and the like.
[0078] Synthetic materials such as Polytetrafluorethylen, commonly
referred to by the brand name of "Teflon," are extremely
advantageous since such materials have a particularly low
coefficient of friction.
[0079] The contact layer 11 may also comprise a metal layer applied
in a galvanic procedure. Such a layer may also be applied in a
vapor deposition process (for example, "chemical vapor deposition"
or "physical vapor deposition," etc.).
[0080] Softer metals and the like are advantageous since same have
a certain stability and are thus well-suited for storage, even when
the contact layer is disposed on an external surface which might,
for example, come into contact with other components (for example,
quantities of rim eyelets conceivably stored together in one
receptacle), while they are also capable of reducing frictional
torque to a considerable degree.
[0081] It is also advantageous in this respect if the contact layer
11 on a rim is disposed at the rim eyelet since the contact layer
is then situated in protected fashion within the (inner) region of
the rim.
[0082] The inventive rim eyelet preferably consists of, apart from
the contact layer 11, a substantially rigid material which may be,
for example, one from among a group of materials which includes
steel, stainless steel, etc. Depending upon application, the rim
eyelet may also be made from brass or the like.
[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive rim eyelet, the
contact layer 11, substantially fully encase the rim eyelet, as is
able to be attained with, for example, galvanic or vapor deposition
procedures.
[0084] Referring again to FIG. 5, a quantity of adhesive 29 is
arranged in the area of central bore in the interior of the spoke
nipple. In the present embodiment, quantity of adhesive 29 is
disposed over a portion of the thread length 28 of spoke nipple
20.
[0085] The quantity of adhesive is preferably an adhesive which is
microencapsulated as a dual or multi-component adhesive capable of
being stored. Screwing in a spoke at least partly destroys the
microencapsulation and activates said quantity of adhesive 29.
[0086] This leads, on the one hand, to a lubricating of thread 27
of inventive spoke nipple 20 so that there will be less friction
during the screwing process and, on the other hand, quantity of
adhesive 29 induces a tighter bond between spoke and nipple
following hardening.
[0087] It is also possible to make use of an adhesive having a
blend of components or one comprised of only one component and a
separate protective coating 30.
[0088] With regard to the type of adhesive and its further details
as well as configuration, reference is again made to the
above-noted DE 100 02 528 A1, the contents of which and
particularly the contents of the description in columns 1-15 as
well as FIGS. 1-3 are hereby also expressly incorporated into the
contents of the present application.
[0089] Should a spoke be introduced into a spoke nipple 20 in
accordance with FIG. 5, the thread of the spoke then activates the
quantity of adhesive 29 disposed at nipple thread 27.
[0090] Such spoke nipple may also be used together with an
inventive rim eyelet. In the case of a wheel according to the
present invention, both components may be employed individually or
concurrently.
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